Paradip Port In Odisha Handled 150.41 MT Cargo In FY25; Green Hydrogen Jetty, Road-Rail Upgrades Underway

Paradip Port in Odisha has recorded a cargo handling volume of 150.41 million tonnes (MT) in the financial year 2024–25, up from 135.36 MT in 2022–23, the Parliament was informed on Tuesday (5 August).

The port’s total handling capacity now stands at 289.75 million tonnes per annum (MTPA).

Operational performance has also improved, with the average turnaround time of vessels reduced from 46.27 hours in FY 2022–23 to 41.61 hours in FY 2023–24.

The port’s current capacity stands at 289.75 million tonnes per annum (MTPA).

Operational efficiency has improved with average vessel turnaround time reducing from 46.27 hours in 2022–23 to 41.61 hours in 2023–24.

"Paradip Port's current capacity is 289.75 MTPA. Performance wise, Cargo handled at the Port grew from 135.36 MT in FY 2022-23 to 150.41 MT in FY 2024-25. Average turnaround time improved from 46.27 hours to 41.61 hours between FY 2022-23 and FY 2023-24," Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha.

The port is undergoing a series of expansion projects. These include the deepening and optimisation of inner harbour facilities, the development of a Western Dock on a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) basis, and the mechanisation of the CQ-III berth for handling dry bulk cargo.

While the ministry clarified that the port is not facing congestion or connectivity issues, it stated that major infrastructure upgrades are in progress to ensure future readiness.

The Paradip–Chandikhol section of National Highway 53 is being widened to eight lanes. Rail connectivity enhancements include the implementation of auto signalling, doubling of railway lines from Sabalpur to Talcher and Banspani–Daitari–Tomka–Jakhapura, and the addition of third and fourth lines between Jarapada, Budhapank and Salegaon.

"To improve connectivity, the Port is upgrading the Paradip-Chandikol section of NH-53 to 8 lanes. Rail projects include new auto signaling, doubling lines from Sabalpur to Talcher and Banspani-Daitari-Tomka-Jakhapura, and adding third and fourth lines between Jarapada-Budhapank-Salegaon," the minister said.

In terms of sustainability, the port is advancing a range of green initiatives. A 10 MW solar power plant is under development, alongside systems for providing shore-to-ship power supply.

Mechanisation of berths is being prioritised to reduce emissions.

Notably, a dedicated jetty is being developed to support future green hydrogen projects, aligning with the government’s broader push for decarbonised port infrastructure.

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